E-mail and instant messaging was unknown in 1941, but D.C. Hughes still knew how to deliver his sentiments. In 1941, Mr. Hughes had been teaching for one year at Sedgehill Junior High School in Gibson, Ga., when Julia Hadden began teaching "at the other end of the building."

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Mr. Hughes said the two "hit it off pretty good," and began sending notes back and forth under the pretense of exchanging books via students.

"We tucked notes inside the books, and the students carried them, and it worked beautiful. It got results," Mr. Hughes said.

One year later, Mr. Hughes and Miss Hadden married. They will celebrate their 63rd anniversary on August 2.

"It's all about lovin' and respectin' each other," Mr. Hughes said. "It's a lot of give and take."

Mrs. Hughes returned to college after her marriage, and received her master's degree in education. She wanted to continue and get her doctorate degree, but had to stop due to health reasons. Mr. Hughes speaks proudly of his wife's career.

"Her complete life was education, for 37 years in McDuffie County, she's got quite a history here in education," he said.

Mr. Hughes said he and his wife have been members of First Baptist Church in Thomson for 50 years, and they "go every single Sunday, to Sunday School and to the church service."

The couple had two children, Carroll Hughes and Kay Williams, five grandsons, and one granddaughter.

"I think (how they met) is funny for today's world," said Carroll Hughes. "They only lived five miles from each other, but had never met until they started working in the same building."

Mrs. Hughes, who is now 81, developed Alzheimer's disease eight years ago. She still lives at home, and her husband cares for her. Carroll Hughes said his mother was always the homemaker, taking care of all the household duties such as cooking, dishes, and cleaning. Now, the "roles are totally reversed, because Dad does all that."

"I had to give up my golf, but that's okay," Mr. Hughes said. "I've still got no complaints. It's been a wonderful marriage."